Flashback – What's Your Answer?  

Maybe Raul is crazy, but for some reason, he couldn't stop himself from saying that. After their first meeting at Nathan's penthouse, Raul had a job that took him to Mexico for three days, which meant he couldn't track Starley during those three days.

Earlier this afternoon, Raul had just returned from Mexico to attend his family's party, which was all for his parents, who wanted him there. He planned to find Starley tomorrow and meet her.

Because Raul couldn't stop thinking about Starley in Mexico, he didn't understand why he felt this way. After all, their first meeting was brief and not exactly sweet.

Raul felt strange, and an unusual attraction began to emerge. He didn't understand what it was, so he wanted to meet Starley again to see his reaction.

And in the garden of his family's estate, Raul met Starley for the second time. This time, Starley looked completely different from their first meeting. She was stunning, and no words could honestly describe her beauty. She wore a simple yet elegant silver silk dress, brown hair as soft as silk, pale skin, and pink lips. Honestly, Raul was captivated.

Raul had always thought he lacked an ideal type, but it seemed he had found one now.

Raul was drawn to Starley's boldness and intelligence at their first meeting. But at their second meeting, Raul realized he wanted Starley in his bed.

"Are you drunk too?" Starley asked directly after Raul suggested they be friends with benefits.

Raul raised an eyebrow and replied, "No."

"You're lying," Starley retorted. Raul chuckled.

"Why would I lie, cupcake?" Starley tried to study Raul, looking for signs that he was drunk. But Raul didn't show any signs of being intoxicated.

"So, is this how you usually are? Just randomly asking women to be your bed partner?" Starley asked.

"No," Raul answered honestly.

"I don't like small talk. It's more efficient to get straight to the point, right?" Raul added.

Starley thought sarcastically, He says he doesn't like it. In reality, Raul just didn't want to admit that he wasn't good at small talk.

"I refuse," Starley responded immediately. Even though she was a little drunk, she wasn't foolish enough to accept that right away.

Raul raised an eyebrow and asked, "And what's your reason?"

"First, I don't know you. Second, you look like a self-absorbed playboy who would invite the first woman you meet into your bed," Starley replied sharply.

"We could get to know each other better in bed," Raul said casually. Starley gave him a look. Seriously? Then Raul continued.

"And no, I've never invited a woman like that."

Starley lazily raised an eyebrow and said, "I don't believe you."

"Why?" Raul asked.

Starley didn't answer his question because Raul was an expert in this. It seemed Raul could read her mind because he immediately said,

"I've never done that before. Usually, it's the women who chase me." Starley rolled her eyes after hearing that. Of course, Raul had his share of devoted admirers.

"Then why did you ask me?" Starley finally asked.

"If I told you I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since our first meeting, would you believe me, cupcake?" Raul asked. His intense and serious eyes locked with hers, perfectly matching his handsome face.

Honestly, Starley's heart raced faster after hearing that, but she answered,

"No."

Raul stared at Starley momentarily, then suddenly leaned closer to her face. The distance between them was now much shorter than before. Instinctively, Starley stepped back slightly, startled.

"So, what must I do to make you believe I want you?" Raul asked.

"You don't need to prove anything because, as I said, I refuse," Starley replied. Her words made Raul step back, restoring their distance to its previous state.

"As I recall, you said you wanted to try something new?" Raul asked, looking like he was trying to challenge Starley.

"Yes, but this is too risky."

"Hmm, are you afraid you'll fall for me, cupcake?" Raul teased. Starley rolled her eyes.

"On the contrary, it seems like you're the one who's going to fall for me, Mr. Blackwell," Starley responded. She could see the spark of amusement in Raul's eyes as if he found her comment very entertaining.

"And I don't want that to happen," Starley added. Raul paused for a moment before answering.

"I'm glad we're on the same page, cupcake."

"And that means we're perfect for being bed partners—neither of us wants anything romantic," Raul added. Raul wasn't looking for a romantic relationship; his life focused solely on his work.

"I've already said no, Mr. Blackwell," Starley said, standing her ground. Even though, deep down, she felt incredibly tempted to say yes. After all, Raul was her ideal type. But Starley had to resist the temptation.

"Do you want me to give you a sample?" Raul suddenly asked.

Starley blinked, confused. "A sample of what?"

"A kiss," Raul said. That made Starley hold her breath for a few seconds.

"After that, you can decide whether to agree or decline. How about it?" Raul added. Oh my, that was a big temptation. Starley looked at Raul's handsome face. She had always wondered what Raul's lips would feel like. Until now, Starley had only seen him on the news, and now Raul was offering it to her.

"Okay," Starley replied without thinking further. Maybe the alcohol had made her more susceptible to temptation.

Raul's eyes immediately darkened. His hand suddenly rested on her waist. Without any warning, Raul pulled Starley closer to his large frame. Starley was a little shocked at how easily Raul pulled her in.

Starley's face and Raul's were so close, just a few centimeters apart. They got closer and closer. Reflexively, Starley closed her eyes. Until, at last, their lips touched so gently. Though it was a gentle kiss, Starley felt a jolt of electricity as their lips connected.

Over time, their soft kisses turned to smattering each other's lips. Unknowingly, Starley's hand had gone up around Raul's neck. Raul's still hugging Starley's tiny waist. At the same time, he enjoys Starley's lips, which taste so sweet. Raul can also taste the alcohol Starley drank earlier, but it adds to the joy of the kiss.

After that, the soft pulp becomes more profound and more greedy. Their tongues are intertwined. Without Starley realizing it, Raul had lifted her onto his lap.

Starley felt like she was floating during the kiss, and she also felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach. Her body was burning with heat now. Her hands still tightly encircled Raul's neck.

Raul felt his body heat rising after tasting Starley's lips. He was almost losing his mind, and now he desired her more than ever. Raul didn't want to end the kiss and didn't know when he would be satisfied. One might not be enough; even fifty times would feel too few.

Finally, Raul forced himself to stop the kiss because he had only given her a sample.

He pulled back slightly to look at Starley. There, he saw Starley slowly open her eyes, her face showing disappointment that he had stopped kissing her. And oh my, Starley looked so beautiful, her lips glistening from the kiss, her eyes heavy, and her cheeks flushed pink.

Raul felt satisfied because he had made Starley show that expression—the face of someone who had enjoyed their kiss. Raul leaned closer to Starley's ear.

"I could kiss you like this every day if you agree to what I offered earlier," Raul whispered. Starley's breath was still shallow, and her head still felt light. Raul could tell that Starley couldn't speak yet.

Raul kissed Starley's cheek softly, then asked, "So, what's your answer, cupcake?"

…